DStv announces major package shake-up for Kenyan viewers as Canal+ takes control
DStv subscribers in Kenya are facing a major change to the platform’s package structure, with a phased overhaul due to begin across Africa in November.
DStv has formally notified customers that it will refresh its package offerings from November 2026, marking one of the first major product changes since French media giant Canal+ completed its takeover of MultiChoice.
The satellite television operator said the revised lineup would make it easier for customers to navigate its offerings and select a package suited to their needs.
However, DStv has yet to reveal the full details of the Kenyan changes, including the new prices, channel line-ups and how existing subscribers will be moved to the revised packages.
In a notice sent to customers, the company said: “We’re excited to share that we will be refreshing our DStv package offerings in November.”
The company added that the new packages would be introduced “in phases across the continent”, with affected customers expected to receive individual communication explaining what the changes mean for their subscriptions.
DStv keeps Kenyan customers waiting for pricing details
For Kenyan subscribers, the announcement has triggered speculation over whether the current six-package structure could soon be replaced by a smaller selection of tiers.
DStv’s published Kenyan prices before the proposed restructuring were:
- Premium – KSh 11,700
- Compact Plus – KSh 7,300
- Compact – KSh 4,200
- Family – KSh 2,250
- Access – KSh 1,450
- Lite – KSh 750
Unconfirmed reports circulating locally suggest the company could reduce the six tiers to three.
Under those reports, the proposed line-up would include a Premium package costing KSh 7,300, a new Compact package priced at KSh 3,000, and a Select package costing KSh 1,500.
The reported KSh 3,000 tier is said to combine elements of the existing Compact and Compact Plus packages.
DStv has not confirmed these reported prices or package structures.
It also remains unclear what would happen to customers currently subscribed to Lite, Access and Family if the reported three-tier structure is introduced.
Canal+ takeover reshapes MultiChoice’s strategy
The package overhaul comes after Canal+ completed its acquisition of MultiChoice in a deal valued at approximately KSh 390 billion.
The transaction, which followed a lengthy regulatory process, closed on July 10, 2026, giving Canal+ control of MultiChoice’s operations across more than 50 African markets through brands including DStv and GOtv.
As part of the regulatory approval process in South Africa, MultiChoice’s broadcasting licences were ring-fenced in a separate entity known as LicenseCo.
The takeover has been accompanied by a broader strategy aimed at reversing years of subscriber losses and improving the performance of MultiChoice’s pay-TV operations.
Canal+ has indicated that simplifying packages, making entry-level products more affordable and strengthening live sports offerings will be central to its strategy.
The group has also moved to consolidate its streaming operations, shutting down the loss-making Showmax service and shifting its content towards DStv Stream.
By June 2026, Canal+ said it had achieved €122 million in synergies from the acquisition.
DStv faces pressure as subscriber numbers fall
The restructuring comes as the African pay-TV industry continues to face pressure from changing viewing habits, competition from streaming services and affordability concerns.
MultiChoice reported 14.4 million subscribers for its most recent financial year, down from 14.9 million the previous year.
Kenya has also experienced pressure in its broadcasting market, with DStv subscription declines reportedly accounting for a substantial share of the country’s overall contraction.
Canal+ is nevertheless betting on renewed investment to rebuild the customer base.
The company has earmarked about €100 million for initiatives including expanding distribution, adding approximately 1,000 sales representatives and subsidising decoders in an effort to attract new customers.
For now, Kenyan DStv customers will have to wait for the operator’s individual communications before knowing exactly which package they will receive, how much it will cost and which channels will be included.
Until DStv publishes its official Kenyan package list, the widely circulated KSh 7,300, KSh 3,000 and KSh 1,500 figures should be treated as unconfirmed reports rather than confirmed new prices.
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